Illegal mining driving insecurity in Kwande, Benue lawmaker says after market attack

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

BENUE – The lawmaker representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor, has blamed illegal mining activities for the rising insecurity in Kwande Local Government Area, following a deadly attack on Abande community that left at least 17 people dead, including a police officer.

The attack, allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen, occurred on Tuesday as traders and buyers gathered at the community market, throwing the area into panic. Several residents were injured, and many others remain unaccounted for.

Ugbor condemned the attack as preventable, lamenting the failure of security agencies to act on prior warnings. “This is one killing too many. We raised the alarm several days before this attack. Reports about the movement and gathering of bandits around the Kashimbila axis were forwarded to security agencies, but unfortunately, no action was taken,” he said.

The lawmaker noted that Abande is a strategic border community, sharing boundaries with Cameroon and Taraba State, making it vulnerable to cross-border criminal activity. “These locations have increasingly become routes and hideouts for armed groups. The warning signs were clear, but the response was absent,” he added.

Describing the attack, Ugbor said, “The assailants invaded the market in their hundreds and started shooting at innocent villagers who were simply going about their daily trading. A Mobile Police officer on duty was killed, while two others narrowly escaped.” He warned that the casualty figure might rise as search operations continue. “As of this morning, at least 17 bodies have been recovered, but many people are still missing. Reports suggest the fatalities could be higher.”

Ugbor called for urgent military intervention, particularly air operations, to dismantle criminal camps in the area. “We are calling on the Nigerian Air Force to immediately clear the Kashimbila axis, which has become a staging ground for attacks on communities in Kwande and surrounding areas.”

He further linked the insecurity to illegal mining in the area. “Kwande LGA has become a hub for illegal extraction of gold, lithium, iron ore, and other minerals. This has attracted armed groups and intensified banditry. If this is not urgently addressed, the border areas of Benue, Taraba, and Cameroon will become a major security flashpoint for the country,” Ugbor warned.

The lawmaker also condemned the killings in Abande, urging both federal and state authorities to take decisive action to prevent further loss of lives.

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